AVIATION
Frequently Asked Questions
The ATC courses will cover a range of topics on airport communications, with particular emphasis on air traffic control systems. Topics include an introduction to the air traffic control system, publications, regulations, separation, aircraft types, navigation, aerodynamics, emergencies, wake turbulence, weather and communications.
To qualify for employment with the FAA, ATC program graduates must meet all FAA requirements, available (LINK HERE).
Most Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology students are eligible to participate in the Air Traffic Control program. See below for a full list of eligible degree programs. Graduates of other colleges or universities may also be eligible for the Air Traffic Control program. They would need to enroll for a second associate or bachelor degree program and complete a minimum of 30 credits at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Bachelor’s Degrees: Airport Management Airline Management Aircraft Operations Electronic Engineering Technology – Avionics Aviation Maintenance Aviation Maintenance Management Associate Degrees: Airport Management Aircraft Operations Electronic Engineering Technology – Avionics Aviation Maintenance
The Air Traffic Control (ATC) program is a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to provide the academic preparation necessary for students interested in air traffic control careers.
A full-time student can complete the AAS degree program in four semesters (two years) and the BS degree program in eight semesters (four years).
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL): 35 hours minimum flight time (60 hours average)
- Instrument Rating (IR): 35 hours minimum flight/simulator time (60 hours average)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 120 hours minimum flight/simulator time (125 hours average)
- Certified Flight Instructor – Airplane (CFI-A): Flight Hours 15-20 average, Ground Hours 30-40 average
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument Airplane (CFI-I): Flight Hours 10-15 average, Ground Hours 25-35 average
In the first semester, flight training will begin with the College’s approved contractors. They will provide FAA Part 141 certified aircraft and flight instruction for the FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate. Students also earn the Certificated Flight Instructor and CFII certificates. Students who are required to take developmental courses in English and/or Math will not be able to start flight training until those courses are completed.
Vaughn’s million-dollar flight simulator lab features the most technologically advanced aviation training devices available; the FRASCA 241, which simulates a Cessna 172–the general aviation standard in aircraft; a Frasca 142 that can be configured as a single or twin engine.; a CRJ-200, which simulates the Canadair two-engine fan jet and is a great transition from the stationery FRASCA; and full-motion Redbird reciprocating engines to jet engines.